Quizlet - Evaluation for Educational Application

WEB 2.O TOOL EVALUATION:  Quizlet

LOCATION ON THE WEB:  https://quizlet.com

CATEGORY:  Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Tool

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Quizlet is an online application that allows creation of flash cards for educational learning.  Additional features within the program are gaming and quiz formats for the information contained within the flashcards.  Feedback on mastery of the subject is provided through statistics on each quiz attempt.  There is also a discussion board format for use by group members. 

Mobile applications must be downloaded separately to utilize the database from Quizlet.  For the purpose of this review, I have chosen the following mobile application to test full service based upon the following parameters; cost is free, available on android, iPhone and iPad devices.  This software can be found at the following location: Quizard  http://gabysoft.com/Education.aspx

PREREQUISITES TO USAGE:

1.      Set up a free user account

2.      For shared usage in a group, the user simply needs to email other participants through the internal social interface.

3.      For mobile applications there are multiple applications that will work with the Quizlet database.  However, you must download them separately but multiple options are on the Quizlet website.  You simply need to select the preferred operational platform.  

RESOURCES REQUIRED:

Access to a computer
Data that you want to import or add to the software 

SKILLSETS REQUIRED:
       Ability to operate a computer


STEP BY STEP ACCESS:
1.      Log in

•       You will immediately arrive at a dashboard where you can access public flash cards or create your own set
•       If you choose to create your own set of cards, then click on the green button “make flashcards”
•       A screen will appear and you will then simply input or import data to create your cards.  To get a step by step on how to import, please watch the video

2.      For a video introduction to this program from the provider go to this link.  http://quizlet.com/demo-video.php

TOOL EXAMPLE:

To see an example of this online tool, please click on the link below.  Select the My Friends and Groups tab and search for lkcoble to find the flashcards that I have created.  The example created flashcards on the definitions regarding construction management ethics.

http://quizlet.com/lkcoble

Dashboard

POTENTIAL EDUCATION APPLICATION:

      This application has tremendous potential in preparing students on subject content.  There are pre-generated flash cards on popular subjects and it is easy to create cards on your desired subject.  The group sharing function also enables collaboration between study partners.  Today’s students are so connected to their computers that it provides the means to study traditional content in an electronic format.  Robustness is enabled by the gaming and quiz elements of the application which creates interesting activity in the learning process.  This application has the ability to span multiple levels from K-12 through higher education.  The other positive aspect of the application is that it is very intuitive and requires little instruction to utilize.  The greatest involvement is in data input which would also aid in the learning process.  I can visualize this product being used for outside classroom study and preparation on the subject matter so it would prepare the students to be more engaged in the actual classroom discussion.  This application could also be used in test preparation and review.  This product is a keeper!

Fast Flash Cards

EDUCATION ADVANTAGES:

Adaptability of Content

To enhance understanding of the content, the program allows uploading photos into the flash cards.  This is particularly helpful for those students with visual learning styles.

Of significance for any teacher, importing knowledge into the program is intuitive and relatively easy.  Watch this instructional video to see just how easy it is.

Group Collaboration

A social interface is included in the platform where students and teachers can create open or closed groups.  Further development includes a discussion board where students can communicate with one another during the study process.

Multiple Mobile Platforms

Another advantage is there are many mobile applications that utilize different devices, specifically android and apple.  With the explosion of cell phones from both providers, students are not likely to have the same operating system, so this flexibility is critical for group collaboration.

Gaming

In the category of cool, this is it!  There are several interactive games that utilize the information on the flash cards so that students maintain interest in studying.  In addition, the dashboard will keep your scores and times on the games so competitive learners are further engaged.   Multiple gaming options also create increased durations of study time which only enhances the learning process.

Study Exams

The program will automatically create exams based upon the content in your flash cards.  The functionality also includes random sequencing so students truly learn the material and not memorize the answers based upon consistent sequencing.  

Multiple Exam Formats

Print Formats

The interface for printing the flashcards is a very nice feature.  It allows printing as a single document so if you want to distribute to other students or classmates it only requires one click.

Efficient Reporting

Cost Effective

      The free version allows 8 flash card sets at a time.  The only limitation of the free version is that you can’t upload personal photos to define concepts in the flash cards.  The upgrade version is $15 per year which is the equivalent to two Starbucks latte’s and well worth it if you have photos to enhance the understanding of the subject matter.

EDUCATION DISADVANTAGES

Mobility Requires Additional Platform

As described above, Quizlet is basically a database program and requires an additional shell program to provide mobile access.  While this is a slight inconvenience it is intuitive and easily performed and there are numerous applications available depending upon personal preferences.